Bruton: Economy in grip of 'double-dip' recession

Fine Gael's Enterprise Spokesman Richard Bruton has said the latest Live Register figures are evidence that Ireland is entering a "double-dip" recession.

The figures published today show a surge of 2,500 people signing on in August - bringing the total number to 455,000 on the dole.

Mr Bruton said: "The Government is too pre-occupied pursuing failed banking policies to deal with the unemployment crisis."

He said the figures show that "the economy is in the grips of a double-dip recession".